The First Three Days

An elderly woman in a red jacket and holding a cane smiles at a young woman lying on a blue therapy table. They are in a rehabilitation facility with colorful ceiling tiles and other people in the background.

A warm welcome and start of your journey

We’re here to make your transition as smooth and comfortable as possible. During your first three days, you’ll get to know your compassionate care team and begin on your path to recovery. Our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel supported, informed, and at ease during this transition.

The first day is spent getting to know you and understanding your unique needs and preferences.

Welcome to Shepherd Center

Upon your arrival, our admissions staff will greet you at the door and review paperwork and processes provided by your access case manager and referring facility. This may include a thorough review of your medical history, current condition, and any specific needs. You will also meet your dedicated case manager, who will be your main point of contact for any immediate questions or concerns.

Room preparation and facility tour

Your room will be thoughtfully prepared to meet your unique needs, including any necessary medical equipment. We’ll guide your family on how to use the equipment and arrange the space, making sure you feel confident in your new environment. Our staff will also give you a tour of the facilities, highlighting key areas like therapy rooms, dining areas, and common spaces to help you and your family feel at home.

Care team introductions

You will meet the interdisciplinary care team — doctors, therapists, nurses, and support staff — who will be with you throughout your stay. In initial assessments, we’ll get to know your abilities and challenges, allowing us to create a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored just for you. This ensures you feel supported and cared for throughout your stay and recovery.

The second day focuses on familiarizing yourself with the Shepherd Center environment and beginning your rehabilitation journey.

Settling in

You will continue to get comfortable in your room and the facility. Our team will ensure you have everything you need and provide any additional information to help you feel at home.

Rehabilitation begins

Therapy sessions will begin based on your personalized treatment plan. These sessions are designed to help you regain strength, improve mobility, and achieve your recovery goals.

Family involvement

We encourage families to join educational sessions and support meetings to learn about the rehabilitation process and how to support your recovery. For patients with complex needs, a medical conference may be scheduled for in-depth discussions on the care plan, with family members invited to participate and stay informed.

Your third day is all about creating a comfortable routine and continuing with your personalized rehabilitation plan.

Building a routine

You’ll begin to establish a daily routine that includes therapy sessions, medical check-ups, and personal time. This routine is crucial for making progress in your recovery.

Ongoing assessments

Our team will continue to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your rehabilitation plan. Regular assessments ensure that your recovery is on track and that any emerging needs are promptly addressed.

Support and education

We’re here to provide ongoing support and education for you and your family. This includes resources on coping strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and community reintegration, and helping everyone feel prepared and confident moving forward.

We arrived at 1 p.m. and by 6 p.m., we were settled in our room, and my husband was already seen by the entire team. We were impressed with how organized and prepared Shepherd was to start treatment immediately.

Licia Borges, Florida Family Member of Patient with Brain Injury

A cozy hospital room with wood flooring features a patient bed adorned with plush toys, colorful blankets, and a pillow. The walls are decorated with photos, drawings, and flags. Next to the bed is a green chair with a fox plushie and a bouquet of balloons.

Preparing for your stay

Bringing a few personal items from home can help make your stay at Shepherd Center more comfortable. Whether it’s your favorite book, photographs, or T-shirt, these familiar items can bring a sense of comfort and ease during your time here.

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